So your family is jetting back into town these Xmas holidays. No doubt you’ll hear how fabulous it is living in Melbourne, London, etc.

What they may not know is that once again, Newcastle's scored itself a whole bunch of awesome new businesses in the last twelve months. Time to impress, with a royal tour of Newcastle before sending them packing back to the cold northern hemisphere, or beachless Melbourne. Check out our fool-proof itinerary below;

Friday

2pm:
They arrive at your place, or hotel, and give you the full update on how awesome their big city life is.

3pm:
Time to get out and start reminding them how good our beach and harbour life is with a few quiet ones waterside. There are loads of venues to choose from; Queens Wharf Hotel to Merewether Surfhouse and The Beach Hotel to name a few, or literally take them floating on the harbour at Battlesticks Bar.

On a hot summer’s afternoon, Battlesticks Bar definitely has some of the best seats in the city and is the ideal spot to enjoy some cocktails and share plates whilst watching those big ships cruise on in.

7pm:
From Battlesticks Bar head west to Honeysuckle for more harbour views and Japanese at its best. The sashimi at Nagisa is legendary as is the drinks list, particularly for the Whiskey lovers, with the menu loaded with more than 20 Japanese varieties. There’s plenty of other foodie options if Japanese isn’t their thing, The Landing, Silo and MEET are just a few to pick from.

9pm:
For some post-dinner drinks and uber-cool vibes, step across Hunter St and wander into the dark and sophisticated bar that is the Koutetsu. These guys know their cocktails and will offer you up something you’ve more than likely never tried before. It’s a little tricky to find so do your research beforehand so you look like you know where you’re going.

Saturday 

7:30am:
Hopefully they’re not feeling too dusty from the night before. Regardless, take a walk out to the breakwall and a dip at Nobbys Beach then breaky and coffee at the East End Hub. The food is always super tasty, the ricotta hotcakes are the bomb, and always reliable, we’ve never had a bad one here.

There are loads of other foodie options within the East End, perhaps Newy Kiosk if you want to keep it really casual or Scotties which is great for the kids, who can run around on the grass.

11am: 
There’s always something interesting on at the Newcastle Art Gallery, or maybe some vintage shopping? Maitland Road Islington is developing quite the reputation for all things vintage and pre-loved, Hide and Seeker and Stoned Saint Moon are must visits! Plus, there are some awesome coffee places in the area (if they needed any more convincing about how good Newcastle’s coffee scene is).

1pm:
Keep reminding them about our awesome warm weather and head to Pork Ewe Deli
to collect all your favourite charcuterie needs. Then set up at King Edward Park under the trees for an afternoon of bocce and nothing much else. If things get really warm you can wander down to the Bogey Hole for a dip.

5pm:
Following an afternoon siesta take your guests to King Street and WOW them with this foodie strip. Starting at The Lucky ease your way into the evening with a few quiet drinks in the courtyard. If your guests happen to be meat lovers it may be a little tricky to move them on with the Southern American barbeque sizzling away in the background.

To really impress those big city relos grab a bench seat and slurp away at Newcastle’s first Ramen and Gyoza bar, Susuru. There are lineups out the door for a reason, and it’s not just because of those Apple Pie and Banoffee dessert Gyozas. King St’s loaded with flavour, perhaps your guests are more in the mood for Spanish? Italian? Persian? Or even Ethiopian?

Sunday

7am or 8am or 9am
Continue to rub the salt and sand between their toes with an early morning walk along the beach and a couple of laps at Merewether Baths.

For breakfast head into Darby St, which they’ll think they’re all over except when you introduce them to The Autumn Rooms. Refurbed and refreshed this beautifully designed space is all about organic, local and being next level at everything! Like The Tea Collective tea and Proud Mary coffee.

The menu is loaded with goodness but if you’re wanting to start the day with a bang take the Champagne Breakfast option.

10am
Once the Darby St strip opens for business do a lap and take a browse through some of the unique boutique shops. Scout, High Tea With Mrs Woo, Abicus, and Ramjet are a few of the highlights and most definitely drop into Blooms on Darby.

11am
Everyone has to take their visitors for a walk along the ANZAC bridge or, for equally good views reintroduce them to Nobbys Lighthouse which is now open to the public each Sunday from 10am to 4pm.

12pm
Sunday afternoons are meant for taking it easy so why not fit in a classic burger and beer at The Family, The Falcon, Rascal or Newy Burger Co.

3pm
Before saying farewell do a quick lap around town and point out all the construction work going on or maybe take them for a quick tour around the NeW Space and give them a totally new view on the city.